Iris Dena Sinks After US Submarine Attack
On March 4, 2026, the Iranian warship Iris Dena sank approximately 40 kilometers from Sri Lanka’s southern coastline after being struck by a torpedo from a US submarine. The incident occurred in international waters and has raised significant concerns regarding military tensions in the region.
According to reports, the Iris Dena was returning from the 2026 International Fleet Review in India and had around 180 crew members on board. Following the attack, Sri Lanka’s navy managed to recover 87 bodies and rescue 32 sailors from the water. The distress call from the Iris Dena was received at 5:08 AM on the same day, indicating the urgency of the situation.
The attack on the Iris Dena has been described as the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II, marking a significant escalation in military actions involving the United States and Iran. The Iranian frigate was located 44 nautical miles off Galle when it sank, highlighting the precarious nature of naval operations in the area.
US Defense Secretary confirmed that the strike on the Iranian frigate was carried out by the US Navy, further intensifying the ongoing military tensions between the two nations. Pete Hegseth, a military analyst, stated, “An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” emphasizing the unexpected nature of the attack.
The Iris Dena was equipped with advanced weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, cannon, machine guns, and torpedo launchers, which indicates its significant capabilities within the Iranian naval fleet. This incident not only reflects the strategic military capabilities of the US but also raises questions about the safety of naval operations in international waters.
In response to the attack, the Iranian embassy in Colombo indicated through back channels that they believed their ship had been targeted by a US strike. The exact circumstances leading to the sinking of the Iris Dena remain unclear, and the Iranian government’s official response to the incident has not been confirmed.
The main focus of the operation following the sinking was to “help survivors,” according to a spokesperson from the Sri Lankan navy. As the situation develops, further reactions from both the US and Iranian governments are anticipated, which may provide more clarity on the implications of this incident.
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